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COMMEMORATING 911 | PATRIOTIC MEDLEY
Because of the events of September 11, 2001, I was moved to play the National Anthem on a daily basis for about 4-5 months. It was my way of healing from the shock of it all. I began arranging "America The Beautiful" and "My Country 'Tis of Thee" as well. "The Star Spangled Banner" features slide guitar. The medley is played solo in CGCFGC tuning.
I've shared this arrangement several times with the public. Each time it's aroused a deep response. I therefore decided in 2002 to record it & release it as a single at cost.
Thanks to the efforts of the following individuals this project has come to fruition:
John Keane: Producer
Wyn Davis: Engineer
Matt Guthrie: Design
I've pressed about 200 copies. 100 copies were sent to the government & the private sector: US Senators, the FDNY, both mayors of NY at the time [Rudy Giuliani & Michael Bloomberg], NPR, the Lakers, the Dodgers and Pacifica Radio. I received some beautiful letters back in response. This was never meant for any commercial gain.
In 2004 I had the honor of sharing the National Anthem at a Lakers/Pistons game. It was quite an experience for me to play this slide guitar arrangement, center court, at the Staples Center here in Los Angeles. There were roughly 17,000 people on hand. It was very moving. I was pretty nervous as that was a first for me.
The Staples Center was fully lit when I walked out on the floor. Both teams were lined up on the sidelines at their respective goals. As I sat down on the high stool provided for me the house lights went black, & a very bright spot was thrown on me [nobody told me about that part]. The only people on the floor for the next 2 minutes were me & the cameraman squatting to my left, with a lens the size of a dinner plate!
All that aside, I was able to relax, focus on the piece, & share the arrangement, which until that moment, had only been heard by a limited audience. It was an honor. The cameraman's feed was going to the huge Jumbo Vision screens above my head. I played the piece passionately & with much love & devotion. It was a blessing to be able to do so. The crowd was drop dead silent.
As I left the court to a very warm ovation, Glen Frey of the Eagles, who was sitting courtside next to Magic, made a point of stopping me to acknowledge the performance. I felt a sense of completion & was grateful to have been able to share the piece with so many people.
Peace
rPeikoff |
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